Jan 18 (Reuters) - Following are security developments in Iraq at 1700 GMT on Friday.

BASRA - Dozens of people were killed and scores wounded in battles between Iraqi security forces and gunmen from the so-called "Soldiers of Heaven" Shi'ite cult in the southern cities of Basra and Nassiriya, security and hospital officials said. Among the dead in Nassiriya was a police major-general.

BAGHDAD - A woman and a child were killed when a roadside bomb targeting a U.S. patrol exploded in northeastern Baghdad's Ur district, police said.

RIYADH - U.S. troops backed by aircraft killed 13 suspected militants during operations targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq on Thursday and Friday, the U.S. military said. Iraqi police said seven bodies were found after one air strike in the town of Riyadh, 60 km (35 miles) southwest of Kirkuk.

BAQUBA - Two policemen were killed and two wounded when a bomb exploded in a house they were searching in Baquba, 65 km (40 miles) north of Baghdad, police said.

BAQUBA - Two children were killed and four people were wounded when another booby-trapped house exploded in Baquba.

BAQUBA - Two policemen were killed and two wounded when gunmen attacked a police patrol in al-Wejaiheiah east of Baquba, police said.

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